Crafting Log Homes Solar Style

An Inspiring Guide to Self-Sufficiency
by Rex A. Ewing and LaVonne Ewing

Crafting Log Homes Solar Style is the story of the authors’ venture building their handcrafted log home in the Colorado Rockies. In addition to the engaging account of handcrafting their cabin, it also includes details of living off-the-grid and a look at the variety of approaches that they and a dozen other log home owners have taken to address their need for power, water, light and heat.

Dense with detail and packed with information, this book is entertaining enough for the armchair builder to enjoy, yet packed with so many useful tips and hands-on advice as to be a one-stop guide book for the do-it-yourself log home builder seeking a step by step guide to crafting their own home in the wild.

The book offers an alternate and arguably more profound message of self-reliance and self-sufficiency. It was exciting reading about the different ways people are actually going about living off-the-grid, whether simply to gain independence and save money or from a need for alternative energy as a result of the remote areas people choose to build their log homes.

Reading Crafting Log Homes Solar Style, not only do you get a complete and comprehensive breakdown of the many steps in building a log home by hand, you also get a primer on generating your own power and intelligent power consumption. This is useful whether you are interested in green building or simply too far off the power grid for it to be economically feasible to hook up to it.

This is easily one of the most practical, clear explanations of each step of the journey of building your own cabin that I’ve read. In addition to the solid building advice, there are useful insights into keeping a relationship together throughout the difficult process. As anyone who has gone through a remodel or a home build knows, there are multiple strains on any relationship and it’s necessary to keep perspective on what’s truly important.

The level of detail makes it clear that this is an experienced cabin builder and you know that each recommendation or piece of advice is hard-won and heartfelt. The authors take us from the theoretical to the practical, clearly laying out the alternatives and the pros and cons of choices to be made. If you’ve ever wondered exactly how to cut a corner notch, specific ways to address settling issues or how to run wiring and hide it in a log wall, then you’ll get a clear explanation along with illustrations and photos.

Examples from the chapter titles give you an idea of the wealth of information you’ll receive:

• Site Selection
• Plans and Permits
• Tools for Construction
• Peeling and Lifting Logs
• Gables and Dormers
• Roof Framing
• Windows, Doors, and Wiring
• Chinking and Finishing

By their very nature, the majority of log home owners are concerned with living a sustainable, responsible lifestyle and leaving the lightest possible footprint on our surroundings and resources. The Ewings seem to have discovered that sweet spot in crafting log homes where self-reliance, comfort and economy coincide, living in harmony with nature without sacrificing any of the modern amenities we all require.

Read Crafting Log Homes Solar Style with caution. You may find yourself unable to live without a log home. And you will certainly never regard your energy use the same again.

The book "Crafting Log Homes Solar Style: An Inspiring Guide to Self-Sufficiency" by Rex A.Ewing and LaVonne Ewing is published by and available from PixyJack Press, a solar and wind-powered independent publisher publishing books about hydrogen energy, solar power, wind power, Costa Rica rain forest, global warming, people and black bears.

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